Compaq STORAGEWORKS TL881 Owner's manual

TL881 MiniLibrary System

Users Guide

First Edition (May 1999)

Part Number ER-TL881-UA. A01/138247-001

Compaq Computer Corporation

Notice

The information in this publication is subject to change without notice.

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EDITORIAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS CONTAINED HEREIN, NOR FOR INCIDENTAL OR

CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE FURNISHING, PERFORMANCE, OR

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This publication contains information protected by copyright. No part of this publication may be

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The software described in this guide is furnished under a license agreement or nondisclosure agreement.

The software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

Compaq, Deskpro, Fastart, Compaq Insight Manager, Systempro, Systempro/LT, ProLiant, ROMPaq,

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respective companies.

Compaq TL881 MiniLibrary System Users Guide

First Edition (May 1999)

Part Number ER-TL881-UA. A01/138247-001

Contents

About This Guide

Text Conventions.........................................................................................................xi

Symbols in Text..........................................................................................................xii

Symbols on Equipment...............................................................................................xii

Rack Stability............................................................................................................ xiii

Getting Help.............................................................................................................. xiii

Compaq Technical Support............................................................................... xiii

Compaq Website.................................................................................................xiv

Compaq Authorized Reseller .............................................................................xiv

Chapter 1

Introduction

The TL881 MiniLibrary............................................................................................ 1-1

Modules ............................................................................................................. 1-1

The Expansion Unit........................................................................................... 1-2

The MiniLibrary Base Module.......................................................................... 1-3

The Data Unit .................................................................................................... 1-4

SCSI Interface Configurations .......................................................................... 1-5

SCSI Bus Performance Considerations............................................................. 1-5

Physical Configuration...................................................................................... 1-5

System Expansion.............................................................................................. 1-6

Features.............................................................................................................. 1-6

Advanced Design Features.............................................................................. 1-10

iv Compaq TL881 MiniLibrary System Users Guide

Chapter 2

Operation

Operation Overview ..................................................................................................2-1

Expansion Unit...................................................................................................2-1

MiniLibrary Base Module..................................................................................2-5

Data Unit ............................................................................................................2-7

Starting the System...........................................................................................2-10

The MiniLibrary Menu Structure.....................................................................2-13

Inserting and Removing Cartridges..................................................................2-26

Inserting a Magazine ........................................................................................2-31

MiniLibrary Base Module................................................................................2-32

TL881 Components.................................................................................................2-35

Storage Architecture.........................................................................................2-35

The Expansion Unit..........................................................................................2-36

The MiniLibrary Base Module.........................................................................2-36

The Data Unit...................................................................................................2-36

SCSI Interface Configurations .........................................................................2-36

SCSI Bus Performance Considerations............................................................2-37

Drives ...............................................................................................................2-37

Internal Cabling Configuration ........................................................................2-37

Bus Length Limitations....................................................................................2-37

Physical Configuration.....................................................................................2-37

System Expansion ............................................................................................2-38

Free-Standing MiniLibrary Base Modules Conversion...................................2-38

Features.............................................................................................................2-38

Control Panel....................................................................................................2-39

Display..............................................................................................................2-39

Magazine Security Lock...................................................................................2-39

Power Supply....................................................................................................2-40

Tape Cartridge Magazines................................................................................2-40

Integral Fan Cooling.........................................................................................2-42

Library Robotics...............................................................................................2-42

Bar Code Reader...............................................................................................2-42

Chapter 3

Installation

Installation Overview ................................................................................................3-1

Introduction ........................................................................................................3-1

Planning Your Installation..................................................................................3-3

Mechanical Installation ......................................................................................3-4

About This Guide v

Chapter 4

Configuration

Configuration Overview........................................................................................... 4-1

Customizing Your Configuration...................................................................... 4-1

Descriptions of Configuration Options ............................................................. 4-4

Chapter 5

Regular Maintenance

Maintenance Overview............................................................................................. 5-1

Cleaning Cartridge............................................................................................. 5-2

Chapter 6

Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Overview ............................................................ 6-1

Diagnosing Problems......................................................................................... 6-1

Error Recovery .................................................................................................. 6-2

Fault Symptom Codes (FSC)............................................................................. 6-5

Using CE Diagnostics...................................................................................... 6-25

Using the Demo Submenu............................................................................... 6-26

Appendix A

Specifications

Introduction...............................................................................................................A-1

Safety.................................................................................................................A-5

Electromagnetic Emission.................................................................................A-6

Statement for Equipment Meeting FCC Class A Requirements.......................A-8

Equipment Meeting VDE Class B Requirements .............................................A-9

(VFG 1046/84 and VFG 243/91 for Germany).................................................A-9

VCCI Notice for Japan Class I Equipment .....................................................A-10

Appendix B

Accessories

Supplies and Accessories..........................................................................................B-1

Data and Cleaning Cartridge Ordering Information..........................................B-1

Bar Code Label and Magazine Ordering Information.......................................B-2

Appendix C

Product Notes for Windows NT and Novell Netware

Overview...................................................................................................................C-1

Host SCSI Interface...........................................................................................C-1

vi Compaq TL881 MiniLibrary System Users Guide

Appendix D

Adding a Second Tape Drive

Parts Location...........................................................................................................D-1

Overall Procedure.....................................................................................................D-2

Removing and Replacing the Skin Cover (Desktop Models Only)..................D-2

Removing and Replacing the Cover Plate.........................................................D-3

Removing and Replacing the Drive Caddy Assembly......................................D-5

Installing the Second Tape Drive......................................................................D-7

Appendix E

Information on Pass-Through Section Covers

Introduction...............................................................................................................E-1

Pass-Thru Mechanism Section Covers.............................................................. E-1

Appendix F

Tape Drives and Cartridges

Overview................................................................................................................... F-1

Care and Handling of Cartridges....................................................................... F-1

Checking a Cartridge for Damage..................................................................... F-3

Archival Guidelines.................................................................................................. F-4

Transportation Guidelines................................................................................. F-5

Cleaning Guidelines .......................................................................................... F-6

Cleaning the Tape Drive Heads......................................................................... F-8

Preparing Cartridges for Use............................................................................. F-9

Index

About This Guide vii

List of Figures

Figure 1-1. Expansion Unit Front View.................................................................. 1-3

Figure 1-2. MiniLibrary Base Module Front View................................................. 1-4

Figure 1-3. Data Unit Front View............................................................................ 1-5

Figure 1-4. MiniLibrary Base Module 10-Cartridge Magazine............................ 1-9

Figure 1-5. Expansion Unit Rear View ................................................................... 1-9

Figure 1-6. MiniLibrary Base Module Rear View ................................................ 1-10

Figure 1-7. Data Unit Rear View........................................................................... 1-10

Figure 2-1. Expansion Unit Front Panel.................................................................. 2-2

Figure 2-2. Expansion Unit Control Panel .............................................................. 2-3

Figure 2-3. MiniLibrary Base Module Front Panel................................................. 2-5

Figure 2-4. MiniLibrary Base Module Control Panel ............................................. 2-7

Figure 2-5.................................................................................................................. 2-8

Figure 2-6. Data Unit Front Panel ........................................................................... 2-8

Figure 2-7. Data Unit Control Panel........................................................................ 2-9

Figure 2-8. POST Screen....................................................................................... 2-11

Figure 2-9. Initialization Screen ............................................................................ 2-11

Figure 2-10. Default Screen................................................................................... 2-11

Figure 2-11. Fault Screen ...................................................................................... 2-12

Figure 2-12. MiniLibrary Base Module Default Screen........................................ 2-12

Figure 2-13. MiniLibrary Menu Structure............................................................. 2-15

Figure 2-14. Main Menu....................................................................................... 2-16

Figure 2-15. Panel Locked Screen......................................................................... 2-16

Figure 2-16. Code Entry Submenu........................................................................ 2-17

Figure 2-17. Show Status Menu ............................................................................ 2-18

Figure 2-18. Library Status Submenu.................................................................... 2-18

Figure 2-19. Drive Status Menu ............................................................................ 2-19

Figure 2-20. Map Info Submenu ........................................................................... 2-20

Figure 2-21. Security Menu................................................................................... 2-21

Figure 2-22. Code Select Submenu....................................................................... 2-21

Figure 2-23. Code Accept Submenu...................................................................... 2-22

Figure 2-24. Panel Locked Screen......................................................................... 2-22

Figure 2-25. Code Entry Submenu........................................................................ 2-22

Figure 2-26. Code Validate Submenu ................................................................... 2-23

Figure 2-27. Error History Screen......................................................................... 2-23

Figure 2-28. Default Screen................................................................................... 2-24

Figure 2-29. Main Menu........................................................................................ 2-24

Figure 2-30. Load/Unload Initial Screen............................................................... 2-24

Figure 2-31. Load/Unload ‘From‘ Entry Screen ................................................... 2-25

Figure 2-32. Load/Unload ‘To’ Entry Screen ....................................................... 2-26

Figure 2-33. Confirmation Screen......................................................................... 2-26

Figure 2-34. Load/Unload ‘In Progress’ Screen.................................................... 2-26

Figure 2-35. Magazine In Place............................................................................. 2-28

Figure 2-36.............................................................................................................. 2-28

Figure 2-37. Main Menu........................................................................................ 2-28

Figure 2-38. Main Menu, Scrolled ........................................................................ 2-29

viii Compaq TL881 MiniLibrary System Users Guide

Figure 2-39. Security Menu....................................................................................2-29

Figure 2-40. Unlock All Media Screen ..................................................................2-29

Figure 2-41. 10-Slot Tape Magazine with Cartridges Installed.............................2-30

Figure 2-42. Main Menu.........................................................................................2-30

Figure 2-43. Main Menu, Scrolled .........................................................................2-30

Figure 2-44. Security Menu....................................................................................2-31

Figure 2-45. Unlock All Media Screen ..................................................................2-31

Figure 2-46. Lock All Media Screen......................................................................2-31

Figure 2-47. MiniLibrary Base Module Front Panel

..........................................2-32

Figure 2-48. DLT Tape Cartridge...........................................................................2-34

Figure 2-49. Expansion Unit and Data Unit Front View .......................................2-38

Figure 2-50. MiniLibrary Base Module Front View..............................................2-39

Figure 2-51. MiniLibrary Base Module 10-Cartridge Magazine...........................2-41

Figure 2-52. Expansion Unit Rear View................................................................2-41

Figure 2-53. MiniLibrary Base Module Rear View...............................................2-42

Figure 2-54. Data Unit Rear View..........................................................................2-42

Figure 3-1. Pass-Thru Mechanism External Parts

................................................3-4

Figure 3-2. Pass-Thru Mechanism Car (Front View)...............................................3-5

Figure 3-3. Car Rear View Showing Belt Block......................................................3-6

Figure 3-4. Pass-Thru Mechanism Assembled.........................................................3-8

Figure 3-5. Threading the Belt through the Drive Section.....................................3-10

Figure 3-6. Threading the Belt through the Base Section......................................3-11

Figure 3-7. Checking Belt Length..........................................................................3-12

Figure 3-8. Belt Block With Belt In Place .............................................................3-12

Figure 3-9. Aligning the Captive Screws With the Block......................................3-13

Figure 3-10. Separating a Rack Slide.....................................................................3-16

Figure 3-11. Rack Slide Parts for Standard 19” EIA/RETMA

Rackmounting....................................................................................................3-18

Figure 3-12. Parts List for StorageWorks Metric Rackmounting ..........................3-20

Figure 3-13. Metric Rackmount Installation Layout..............................................3-23

Figure 3-14. Installing the Pass-Thru Mechanism in the Rack..............................3-24

Figure 3-15. Expansion Unit SCSI Connectors and Cables

(Fast/Wide SCSI Shown)...................................................................................3-26

Figure 3-16. MiniLibrary Base Module SCSI Connectors, Terminators and

Cables (Fast/Wide Interface, Independent Bus Connection Shown) ................3-30

Figure 3-17. MiniLibrary Base Module SCSI Connectors, Terminator,

Jumpers and Cables (SCSI-2 Interface, Daisy-chained Connection

Shown)...............................................................................................................3-31

Figure 3-18. MiniLibrary Base Module Default Screen ........................................3-32

Figure 3-19. MiniLibrary Base Module Main Menu..............................................3-32

Figure 3-20. Configure Submenu...........................................................................3-33

Figure 3-21. Configure Submenu, Scrolled............................................................3-33

Figure 3-22. Special Config Submenu ...................................................................3-33

Figure 3-23. Special Config Submenu, Scrolled....................................................3-33

Figure 3-24. Acknowledgment Screen...................................................................3-34

Figure 3-25. Default Screen....................................................................................3-34

About This Guide ix

Figure 3-26. Main Menu........................................................................................ 3-34

Figure 3-27. Configure Submenu .......................................................................... 3-35

Figure 3-28. Set SCSI Submenu............................................................................ 3-35

Figure 3-29. Set SCSI Submenu Scrolled ............................................................. 3-36

Figure 3-30. Set Mail Slot Submenu ..................................................................... 3-37

Figure 3-31. Set Mail Slot Submenu Enabled....................................................... 3-37

Figure 3-32. Set Reserved Slots Submenu ............................................................ 3-38

Figure 4-1. Default Screen....................................................................................... 4-2

Figure 4-2. Main Menu............................................................................................ 4-2

Figure 4-3. Configure Submenu .............................................................................. 4-2

Figure 4-4. Drive Selection Submenu ..................................................................... 4-3

Figure 4-5. Set Data Format Submenu .................................................................... 4-3

Figure 4-6. Main Menu............................................................................................ 4-5

Figure 4-7. Configure Submenu .............................................................................. 4-5

Figure 4-8. Library Mode Selection Menu.............................................................. 4-5

Figure 4-9. Configure Submenu .............................................................................. 4-6

Figure 4-10. Special Config Submenu..................................................................... 4-6

Figure 5-1. Main Menu............................................................................................ 5-3

Figure 5-2. Maintenance Submenu.......................................................................... 5-3

Figure 5-3. Cleaning Submenu................................................................................ 5-3

Figure 5-4. Cleaning Confirmation Screen.............................................................. 5-4

Figure 5-5. Cleaning In Progress Screen................................................................. 5-4

Figure 6-1. Troubleshooting Flow Chart................................................................. 6-3

Figure 6-2. Main Menu.......................................................................................... 6-25

Figure 6-3. Maintenance Submenu........................................................................ 6-25

Figure 6-4. Diagnostic Submenu........................................................................... 6-25

Figure D-1. Parts Location ......................................................................................D-2

Figure D-2. Removing the Skin Cover....................................................................D-3

Figure D-3. Removing the Cover Plate ...................................................................D-5

Figure D-4. Drive Caddy.........................................................................................D-6

Figure E-1. Cover Assembly Side Plate ..................................................................E-2

Figure E-2. Mechanism Section Cover...................................................................E-2

Figure F-1. Opening the cartridge door...................................................................F-3

Figure F-2. Correct and incorrect cartridge (takeup) leader positions ....................F-4

Figure F-3. Applying a bar code label..................................................................... F-9

Figure F-4. Write-protecting a cartridge................................................................ F-10

Figure F-5. Tape Drive Control Panel...................................................................F-11

List of Tables

Table 1-1 MiniLibrary system Tape Capacity........................................................ 1-11

Table 2-1 Control Panel Button Functions............................................................... 2-4

Table 3-1 Belt Length for Various System Sizes ................................................... 3-10

Table 3-2 MiniLibrary Configuration Options....................................................... 3-41

Table 3-3 MiniLibrary Special Configuration Options.......................................... 3-46

Table 4-1 MiniLibrary Configuration Options......................................................... 4-8

x Compaq TL881 MiniLibrary System Users Guide

Table 4-2 MiniLibrary Special Configuration Options...........................................4-12

Table 4-3 MiniLibrary Special Configuration Options...........................................4-13

Table 6-1 Error Recovery Procedures.......................................................................6-4

Table 6-2 Fault Symptom Codes...............................................................................6-5

Table A-1 Operational Performance Specifications.................................................A-1

Table A-2 Reliability Specifications (Drives)..........................................................A-2

Table A-3 Power Specifications...............................................................................A-2

Table A-4 Reliability Specifications (Library Robotics) .........................................A-3

Table A-4 Mechanical Specifications.......................................................................A-3

Table A-5 Mechanical Specifications.......................................................................A-3

Table A-7 Environmental Specifications (Operating)..............................................A-4

Table A-7 Environmental Specifications (Packed or Unpacked) ............................A-4

Table A-7 Environmental Specifications (Storage/Transit).....................................A-4

Table A-7 Acoustic Emission Level.........................................................................A-5

Table A-11 Regulatory Agency Product Safety Certifications................................A-5

Table A-11 Regulatory Agency Product Safety Certifications................................A-7

Table B-1 Compaq Tape Data or Cleaning Cartridges Part Numbers .....................B-1

Table B-1 Bar Code Label and Magazine Part Numbers.........................................B-2

Table F-1 Cartridge Environmental Guidelines ....................................................... F-5

Table F-2 Cleaning Cartridge Guidelines................................................................. F-7

Table F-3 Tape Drive Control Panel ...................................................................... F-12

About This Guide

This guide is designed to be used as step-by-step instructions for installation

and as a reference for operation, troubleshooting, and future upgrades.

Text Conventions

This document uses the following conventions to distinguish elements of text:

Keys Keys appear in boldface. A plus sign (+) between

two keys indicates that they should be pressed

simultaneously.

USER INPUT User input appears in a different typeface and in

uppercase.

FILENAMES File names appear in uppercase italics.

Menu Options,

Command Names,

Dialog Box Names

These elements appear in initial capital letters.

COMMANDS,

DIRECTORY NAMES,

and DRIVE NAMES

These elements appear in uppercase.

Type When you are instructed to type information, type

the information without pressing the Enter key.

Enter When you are instructed to enter information, type

the information and then press the Enter key.

xii Compaq TL881 MiniLibrary System Users Guide

Symbols in Text

These symbols may be found in the text of this guide. They have the following

meanings.

WARNING: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions

in the warning could result in bodily harm or loss of life.

CAUTION: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions

could result in damage to equipment or loss of information.

IMPORTANT: Text set off in this manner presents clarifying information or specific

instructions.

NOTE: Text set off in this manner presents commentary, sidelights, or interesting points

of information.

Symbols on Equipment

These icons may be located on equipment in areas where hazardous conditions

may exist.

Any surface or area of the equipment marked with these symbols

indicates the presence of electrical shock hazards. Enclosed area

contains no operator serviceable parts.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury from electrical shock hazards,

do not open this enclosure.

Any RJ-45 receptacle marked with these symbols indicates a Network

Interface Connection.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, fire, or damage to

the equipment, do not plug telephone or telecommunications

connectors into this receptacle.

About This Guide xiii

Any surface or area of the equipment marked with these symbols

indicates the presence of a hot surface or hot component. If this

surface is contacted, the potential for injury exists.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury from a hot component, allow

the surface to cool before touching.

Power Supplies or Systems marked with these symbols

indicate the equipment is supplied by multiple sources of

power.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury from electrical shock,

remove all power cords to completely disconnect power from

the system.

Rack Stability

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury or damage to the equipment,

be sure that:

■

The leveling jacks are extended to the floor.

■

The full weight of the rack rests on the leveling jacks.

■

The stabilizing feet are attached to the rack if it is a single rack

installations.

■

The racks are coupled together in multiple rack installations.

■

A rack may become unstable if more than one component is extended for

any reason. Extend only one component at a time.

Getting Help

If you have a problem and have exhausted the information in this guide, you

can get further information and other help in the following locations.

Compaq Technical Support

You are entitled to free hardware technical telephone support for your product

for as long you own the product. A technical support specialist will help you

diagnose the problem or guide you to the next step in the warranty process.

xiv Compaq TL881 MiniLibrary System Users Guide

In North America, call the Compaq Technical Phone Support Center at

1-800-OK-COMPAQ

1

. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Outside North America, call the nearest Compaq Technical Support Phone

Center. Telephone numbers for world wide Technical Support Centers are

listed on the Compaq website. Access the Compaq website by logging on to

the Internet at http://www.compaq.com.

Be sure to have the following information available before you call Compaq:

■

Technical support registration number (if applicable)

■

Product serial number (s)

■

Product model name(s) and numbers(s)

■

Applicable error messages

■

Add-on boards or hardware

■

Third-party hardware or software

■

Operating system type and revision level

■

Detailed, specific questions

Compaq Website

The Compaq website has information on this product as well as the latest

drivers and Flash ROM images. You can access the Compaq website by

logging on to the Internet at http://www.compaq.com.

Compaq Authorized Reseller

For the name of your nearest Compaq Authorized Reseller:

■

In the United States, call 1-800-345-1518.

■

In Canada, call 1-800-263-5868.

■

Elsewhere, see the Compaq website for locations and telephone

numbers.

1

For continuous quality improvement, calls may be recorded or monitored.

Chapter

1

Introduction

The TL881 MiniLibrary

This chapter describes the features of the MiniLibrary Expansion Unit, the

MiniLibrary Base Module, and the MiniLibrary Data Unit of the MiniLibrary

system, including storage architecture, SCSI interface, bus performance, and

physical configuration/expansion options.

The MiniLibrary system is an expandable, modular tape library system that

combines DLT technology drive with advanced robotics. The MiniLibrary

system is designed for high duty-cycle on-line and near-on-line applications,

such as hierarchical storage management (HSM). It is a superior performer in

high-volume backup and archival service as well.

Modules

The MiniLibrary system is based on three types of modules:

n Expansion Unit (Master)

n MiniLibrary Base Module

n Data Unit

The MiniLibrary system consists of one Expansion Unit and up to five

MiniLibrary Base Modules and Data Units in combination stacked in a rack.

The Expansion Unit can move media freely between itself, the MiniLibrary

Base Module, and the Data Unit by way of the system’s robotically controlled

Pass-Thru Mechanism.

1-2 Compaq TL881 Minilibrary System Users Guide

In a MiniLibrary system, you can combine modules to provide the right

combination of capacity and performance to meet your present storage

requirements. Compaq’s MiniLibrary storage architecture lets you add

modules to optimize throughput and capacity as your needs change.

MiniLibrary Storage Architecture

When connected as a system, the robotics in the Expansion Unit act as

commanded by the host computer(s). The host(s) need no knowledge of the

internal geometry of the system, or of the actions or capabilities of the

MiniLibrary Base Modules or Data Units.

The Expansion Unit presents to the host(s) a single SCSI medium changer

device with a single SCSI Medium Transport element, several SCSI Storage

elements equal to the total number of cartridge magazine slots, a number of

SCSI Import/Export elements as specified by the user during configuration of

the Expansion Unit, and a number of SCSI Data Transfer elements equal to the

total number of drives in the system.

Flexibility

Compaq’s MiniLibrary storage architecture is uniquely suited to growing

storage needs. Its flexible library robotics system enables you to start with a

system configured to your present requirements, confident that as your storage

needs evolve, you can easily modify the MiniLibrary by adding modules and

extending the Pass-Thru Mechanism. Add drives for faster performance or

magazine space for greater capacity, as needed. Then just turn on the power,

and immediately the system updates the system map so the host is informed of

the expanded capability.

The Expansion Unit

The Expansion Unit (Figure 1–1) integrates the robotics in the individual

modules into a single, coordinated library robotics system. The Expansion

Unit performs and maintains an inventory of all media present in the system,

including bar code data. All necessary system control operations may be

performed from the control panel of the Expansion Unit, as well as from the

host via software. The SCSI interface for the library robotics is designed for

high-speed communication with the host, and Fast/Wide SCSI configurations.

Introduction 1-3

SHR-1194

1

2

3

4

6

5

Figure 1-1. Expansion Unit Front View

16-Cartridge magazine Unlock /Open button

Magazine security lock Locked indicator

Control panel Power switch

In addition to its system control functions, the Expansion Unit has a 16-

cartridge magazine with a rugged random access robotic mechanism. The

module robotics moves cartridges between the Pass-Thru Mechanism and any

of the 16 cartridge storage locations.

The user may designate a magazine in one of the MiniLibrary Base Modules

as a mail slot for inserting or removing one or more single cartridges, which

implements the SCSI Import/Export commands.

NOTE: A magazine that has been reserved for Import/Export service may not be used for

data storage.

1-4 Compaq TL881 Minilibrary System Users Guide

The MiniLibrary Base Module

The MiniLibrary Base Module (Figure 1–2) has one or two DLT 20/40 tape

drives and a 10-cartridge magazine with a rugged random access robotic

mechanism. The TL881 using one or two DLT20/40 series drives, also uses

the DLTtape IV cartridges, which provide a native capacity of 20 GB per

cartridge. All models can also read and write DLTtape III and DLT tape IIIxt

cartridges. Both read and write densities are selectable from the front panel,

and under SCSI control from the host. These units are available as differential

rack-mount or table-top versions, as well as a single-ended table-top-only

version.

SHR-1195

1

2

3

4

6

5

U

s

e

C

le

a

n

e

r

Drive

Fault

L

o

a

d

e

r

F

a

u

lt

Figure 1-2. MiniLibrary Base Module Front View

10-Cartridge magazine Unlock/Open button

Magazine security lock Locked indicator

Control panel Power switch

Introduction 1-5

The Data Unit

The Data Unit (Figure 1–3) has a 16-cartridge magazine, a random access

robotic mechanism, and no tape drives. The module robotics, under control of

the Expansion Unit, moves cartridges between the Pass-Thru Mechanism and

any of the 16 cartridge storage locations.

SHR-1194

1

2

3

4

6

5

Figure 1-3. Data Unit Front View

16-Cartridge magazine Unlock /Open button

Magazine security lock Locked indicator

Control panel Power switch

SCSI Interface Configurations

Systems are equipped with DLT 20/40 drives use a narrow SCSI interface

using high-density 68-pin D-series connectors. The section on SCSI Interfaces

in Chapter 3, Installation, describes the available interface options.

SCSI Bus Performance Considerations

Data Transfer Rate

The data transfer rate of the MiniLibrary is dependent on the type and number

of drives and on the SCSI bus configuration. The bandwidth of the SCSI bus is

limited. As a result, the transfer rate of drives such as the DLT20/40 can be

limited by sharing a SCSI bus with another disc drive on tape. It is

recommended that the MiniLibrary be installed on its own controller for

optimum performance.

1-6 Compaq TL881 Minilibrary System Users Guide

Drives

With a standard SCSI interface, modules equipped with DLT 20/40 drives

have a native data transfer rate of 1.5 MB/second, 3.0 MB/sec for two drives.

The rates for compressed data are dependent on compression ratio, record size,

data type, and other system parameters, but averages approximately 1:7.

Internal Cabling Configuration

The differential version of the MiniLibrary base module is wired in an

independent-bus SCSI configuration. That is, the robotics and each of the

drives has its own SCSI bus. SCSI jumpers are available for those applications

requiring that some combination of drives and robotics be daisy-chained to a

single SCSI bus. The single-ended table-top version, however, has the first

driver daisy-chained internally to the robotics in order to reduce cable length.

These configurations are described in more detail in the section on SCSI

Interfaces in Chapter 3, Installation.

Physical Configuration

The Expansion Unit must be mounted at the top of the stack, which places its

control panel at a convenient height. The control panels of the MiniLibrary

Base Modules and Data Units are of secondary importance, as they serve

mainly to help localize system failures. When installed, the motor drive

assembly of the Pass-Thru Mechanism is directly behind the Expansion Unit.

MiniLibrary Base Modules may be installed anywhere below the Expansion

Unit, in any order. There may be a slight performance advantage in making the

MiniLibrary Base Modules contiguous, but gaps are permitted. The size of a

gap is limited by the fact that each gap must be bridged by some number of 7"

Pass-Thru Mechanism track sections. For safety, available cover plates should

be installed on all Pass-Thru Mechanism sections that are not connected to

MiniLibrary modules.

The Expansion Unit senses the position of each module during initialization at

power-up. Even if there are gaps between modules, the system will operate

correctly. If you plan to leave gaps between modules, be sure to order

additional Pass-Thru Mechanism track segments and cover plates equal to the

length of the gap.

System Expansion

A MiniLibrary system may be expanded in capacity and performance by

adding or removing TL881 modules. Associated with the Expansion Unit and

each MiniLibrary Base Module is a section of the Pass-Thru Mechanism.

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Compaq STORAGEWORKS TL881 Owner's manual

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